Ray Wilkins believes Chelsea should end their pursuit of Monaco ace Tiemoue Bakayoko and instead concentrate on developing Nathaniel Chalobah.
The former Chelsea assistant-manager even went as far as saying he was “disappointed” that the club were attempting to bring in the 22-year-old defensive midfielder.
His comments come after it was reported by the Times on Friday that the Blues have come to an agreement with Monaco over the transfer of Bakayoko.
It was said that the Premier League champions were ready to splash £36million on the Frenchman, and that the deal was expected to be completed within the next few days.
However, in an interview with talkSPORT, Wilkins highlighted how poor a piece of business it was.
“I was really disappointed to read they are looking at Bakayoko from Monaco,” he said. “He is 22 years of age, French and doesn’t get near the national side, but it was quoted Chelsea might be paying £32million.
“Well, in Nathaniel [Chalobah] they have got a footballer that can play exactly the same but just needs an opportunity to get in there and play.
“You have seen already in the two games he has played up to now [at the European Championship] he looks a class act in and amongst people of his own age. Playing with the top quality players that they have at Chelsea, he can only improve week to week.”
Bakayoko was a regular in Monaco’s midfield last term, playing 51 league and cup games, as they won Ligue 1.
He joined the French giants in the summer of 2014 from Stade Rennais for £6.8million, and he has already amassed 92 appearances in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Chalobah who is also 22, was a bit-part player for the Blues last term and he only featured in 15 league and cup games.
The combative midfielder made the step up from Chelsea’s youth set up in the summer of 2012, but loan spells to Watford, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, Reading and Napoli have meant his impact at his boyhood club has been limited.